First movie filmed in Cape Fear released 34 years ago

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The first movie ever filmed in the Cape Fear “Firestarter” was released 34 years ago Friday.

A picture of Orton Plantation featured in a Southern Accents Magazine from 1983 caught the attention of Frank Capra, Jr. who was searching for a place to film the movie.

The decision to film here became the first step in creating what would become an industry.

Producer Dino Delaurentiis liked the area so much he built a movie studio here which is now Screen Gems.

Since then more than 350 films, TV shows, and commercials have been shot here.